Just yesterady we let you know that GeoHot, the iPhone hacker, was hard at work on a firmware that would combat the new PS3 update that will remove Linux. If, however, if you aren’t big on the whole Linux thing you’ll be happy to hear that the PS3 firmware version 3.21 has just been released to the Playstation Network.

Of course, if you are into Linux and don’t want to give up the Other OS features, you’re going to be disappointed to hear that in order to log into the Playstation Network, you’re going to need to update your console to version 3.21. Bummer.

You may have heard that Sony disabled the ability to run Linux on the PS3, a feature that had hackers everywhere jumping joy. Well, now that the feature has been removed hackers everywhere are screaming in agony. Luckily, the guy behind a number of iPhone jailbreaks, GeoHot, has posted on his PS3 blog encouraging users not to update.

He then goes on to say that he will attempt to develop a firmware that will allow users to upgrade their systems to 3.21 while retaining OtherOS support.

But honestly Sony, why did you put it in there in the first place if you were going to disable it down the line.

The entire entertainment industry, for the most part, is experimenting with 3D content. If you saw Avatar you’ll probably know that there was a version of the movie released in 3D. Well, this brings about the question over which major console manufacturer will be making the 3D jump first. That answer seems to be Sony.

Despite previously saying they have no plans to bring 3D to the PS3, the company has now said that a series of firmware updates will be released this summer that will bring 3D functionality to the console.

3D games sound pretty damn awesome. I wonder which developer will be the first to dip their toe in this emerging market.

via gizmodo

Today, Sony has announced that version 6.10 of the PSP firmware is now ready to be installed on hand held consoles everywhere. This update includes several big features such as SensMe which chooses songs stored on your PSP based on different moods you select.

Another interesting feature of 6.10 is the ability to tether a PSP Go with a Bluetooth capable cellphone for internet connectivity anywhere you can go.

That’s about it in terms of exciting features so get downloading!

Sony has recently made it known that the 3.01 firmware update for their Playstation 3 is now live on the Playstation Network and available for download. This minor patch will reportedly fix the issues some gamers were facing after updating to version 3.00 such as bugs in Uncharted and the DualShock controller malfunctioning.

SCEA spokesperson Patrick Seybold comments;

SCEA is aware of reports that PS3 owners are experiencing isolated issues with their PS3 system since installing the most recent system software update. Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience, as it’s our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms.

Players have been reporting several issues since updating to the current 3.0 firmware for the PlayStation 3. Problems range from DualShock 3 controllers not functioning correctly, inability to access trophies, and even game freezing. No fix for these technical problems have been detailed yet, however, Sony has responded to the issues:

SCEA is aware of reports that PS3 owners are experiencing isolated issues with their PS3 system since installing the most recent system software update (v3.00). Rest assured that we are looking into the matter and will provide an update here as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience, as it’s our mission to deliver the best consumer experience on all PlayStation platforms.

It’s not much, but at least we are assured that they are trying to do something about it. Many players have not been seeing any problems at all, so if you’re fortunate enough to be one of those people, congratulations.

Read (PlayStation.Blog)

It was recently made known that the PlayStation 3 firmware update version 3.00 has officially gone live and is now available for download.

Below are some of the features found in version 3.00:

• “What’s New” – The “Information Board” will be replaced with a “What’s New” section, which allows you to enjoy interactive PlayStation news every time you start the PS3 system. Located under the PlayStation Network icon, “What’s New” displays the latest and greatest game, video, PlayStation Network and PlayStation news and releases, as well as your recently played games, in a sleek, new animated format.
• Status Indicator – In the top right corner we’ve added an indicator bar, which displays your user icon, friend icon, the number of friends you have online and a small message icon to let you know if you have any new messages. The indicator also includes a scrolling ticker that features the latest news from PlayStation Network. In addition, when you press the PS button, the battery life indicator will no longer cover up the clock.
• Friends List – Now your PlayStation Network friends will appear in a slightly redesigned format on your Friends List. Also, messages will now be viewable from each of your friends’ respective profiles.
• PlayStation Store Shortcuts – We’ve added a handy shortcut icon to the PlayStation Store under both the Game and Video categories so you can access the latest content quickly and easily.
• Personalization – Personalize your PS3 with new dynamic custom themes and avatars. Dynamic themes as well as free and premium avatars will be available through PlayStation Store. A dynamic theme takes your screen to a whole new level as it incorporates animated objects into the background.
• Trophies – Showcasing your hard earned trophies just got better. Update 3.00 gives game developers the ability to modify how they display trophies for add-on content. Base and add-on game trophies will continue to be combined into a single list so you can see where you stand in a game as a whole. Within that list, trophies will be broken out into subcategories—base trophies and add-on trophies—that way, you can easily view the percentage of your base game trophy collection, and separately track your trophy progress in add-on packs. Look for this enhancement to be included in upcoming games.

Well, what are you waiting for? Stop reading and go get it!

The new 1.4 firmware is now available for the Nintendo DSi. This firmware deems flash cards useless. All pirates are advised not to update if they want to keep using their ROMs and such.

Back in March, Nintendo revealed plans to expand to social networking options. Today, Nintendo has released a new application for the Nintendo DSi which allows players to upload their photos directly to Facebook.

To get setup, you need to link your DSi with your Facebook account via Facebook Connect. Once that’s done, a Facebook logo will appear on top of your photos. Users are allowed to upload entire albums at once (200 photos), and every photo after that, a new album is created.

The firmware is only exclusive to Japan, Europe, and Australia. No word on when the update will be released for North America.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a single peice of hardware that gets as many firmware updates as the PSP. Unfortunately those updates tend to, well, never really add anything cool so don’t hold your breath about 5.51.

To further confirm nothing cool is to come from these updates is Sony’s Eric Lempel who says that the update will provide nothing more than tweaks to the hardware’s software stability.

Common Sony, let’s get some cool features already. I mean I can’t think of anything I would want my PSP to do (besides have good games) but I’m sure someone at Sony can!

Read (Destructoid)

Sony has recently released, via their official blog, details regarding the upcoming 5.5 firmware update for the PSP.

First up is the Information Board, borrowed from the PS3, which will display a news ticker featuring things like Playstation Store updates and other things Sony.

Below are the rest of the details, don’t get too excited:

Memory Stick improvements – You’ll be able to create and access sub-folders on your Memory Stick PRO Duo for music, videos and photos. Separately, the available space required to download a file from PlayStation Store to your Memory Stick has been reduced significantly.

Internet search for games directly from the XMB – You’ll be able to easily search the Internet for information about your PSP games. Select the icon for the game, hit the Triangle button, and then select [Internet Search] from the options menu to get search results based on the game title. This feature was added to PS3 with the recent 2.70 update.

Trend Micro trial – PSP’s Internet browser is a great tool for checking out your favorite Web sites on the go, and we’re teaming up with the Internet security experts at Trend Micro to make the Web browsing experience safer and more secure. With the 5.50 update, you’ll have the option to access a free trial of two Trend Micro services:

Trend Micro Web Security uses Web reputation technology to block PSP owners from accidentally visiting a Web site that may contain malicious content designed to steal personal information and confidential data.

Trend Micro Kids’ Safety uses URL filtering technology to prevent children from accessing Web sites that feature inappropriate content.